How should I paint a pickup cover?

[Megagwar]

So I'm looking at the SD Custom SM-2 Mini Hum and the Dimarzio Vintage Mini Hum for a tele I'm thinking about building. These pups don't come in black (well at least I know the Dimarzio doesn't, but not for sure the SD does) How should I paint them a matte black? Just spray paint with a coating? Or what?

 

[Frogman]

Re: How should I paint a pickup cover?

-Fully and evenly sand the cover with 320 grit sandpaper.
-Wipe clean with rubbing alcohol.
-Fully and evenly sand the cover with 600 grit sandpaper.
-Wipe clean with rubbing alcohol.
-Lightly spray, left to right, the matte black.
-Do 3-4 light coats.
-Lightly spray, left to right, satin clear coat.
-Do 2-3 light coats.
-Fully and evenly finish sand with 1200 grit.
-Wipe clean with rubbing alcohol.
-Melt faces.

 

[Drunken Bowling]

Re: How should I paint a pickup cover?

Good luck! Are you going to post pics when it's done?

 

[Megagwar]

Re: How should I paint a pickup cover?

Thanks Fowl2338.

Yea, I'll post pics Drunken Bowling. But it'll be some time though. I'm gathering all my ideas for the Tele and see what I want for it and what I gotta do

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: How should I paint a pickup cover?

Use a matt black spray specifically formulated for metal.

If you are going to use a clear coat over the top of the black, I would suggest only 1-2 light coats of the black...just enough to get complete coverage. You don't want to build up too thick of a coating.

 

[Frogman]

Re: How should I paint a pickup cover?

Use a matt black spray specifically formulated for metal.

If you are going to use a clear coat over the top of the black, I would suggest only 1-2 light coats of the black...just enough to get complete coverage. You don't want to build up too thick of a coating.

I suggest using Krylon Camo paint if you're not going to use a primer. It's able to stick to just about anything and it's cheaper than Duracoat.
You can also heat up the metal to about 120 degrees before you spray.
This is common with painting firearms.

When I said "3-4 light coats", I was referring to my way of "coats", which is more like "dusting"
Prevents any runoff or "clumpiness".

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: How should I paint a pickup cover?

I suggest using Krylon Camo paint if you're not going to use a primer. It's able to stick to just about anything and it's cheaper than Duracoat.
You can also heat up the metal to about 120 degrees before you spray.
This is common with painting firearms.

When I said "3-4 light coats", I was referring to my way of "coats", which is more like "dusting"
Prevents any runoff or "clumpiness".

"Dusting" is a good way to do it.

 

[Megagwar]

Re: How should I paint a pickup cover?

Cool. Thanks guys!